Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!uunet!elroy.jpl.nasa.gov!swrinde!mips!dimacs.rutgers.edu!aramis.rutgers.edu!athos.rutgers.edu!christian From: lhccjeh@lure.latrobe.edu.au Newsgroups: soc.religion.christian Subject: Re:Biblical Contradictions Message-ID: Date: 14 Jun 91 03:26:17 GMT Sender: hedrick@athos.rutgers.edu Organization: VAX Cluster, Computer Centre, La Trobe University Lines: 32 Approved: christian@aramis.rutgers.edu Haven't had time to read through the list but was struck by the thought that some of you might like to read "Adam, Eve and the Serpent" by Elaine Paigels (think that's how it is spelt). In it she looks at the creation stories as in Genesis 1 and 2 and argues the they have been instrumental in shaping our society. At least from about 200-300 AD. Quite interesting stuff, especially some of the insight it provides in the making of the early church. As for the contradictions, well maybe the are meant to be there. Salvation doesn't come from reading words, it comes from a change of Mind. Metanoia (not sure about the spelling) is the term that describes it. Those contradictions that many find as a weakness in the message of the bible can also be interpreted as a bonus in that they give you a chance to question you own assumptions and models of life. Witness to the Zen tradition of paradox through the kaon as an instrument to free the mind from its earthly bounds. I, enjoy reading the bible, contradictions and all. I do not consider it to be the one and only "TRUTH" as some other writers to this posting would suggest but I believe it contains both profound spiritual insight and, to borrow from psychology, a road map to spiritual understanding. To quote from "A Course in Miracles"; All terms are potentially controversial, and those who seek controversy will find it. Yet those who seek clarification will find it as well. They must, however, be willing to overlook controversy, recognizing that it is a defense against truth in the form of a delaying maneuver. (Manual p73) So, don't get stuck by the contradictions. James Hale